Method and Apparatus for Body-worn Entertainment Devices

ABSTRACT

A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

This application claims priority to our copending U.S. provisionalapplication with the Ser. No. 61/019,174, which was filed Jan. 4, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is body-worn toys, especially those that aresuspended in the air using a visible or near-invisible tether that iscoupled to a person and have appearance of plausible autonomous flight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous toys and ‘magic tricks’ known in the art in which oneor more objects are suspended in the air using a visible ornear-invisible tether. For example, mobiles or small airplanes often usevisible relatively thick tethers to control the path of the suspendedobject or airplane.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,428 teaches flying animals with movingwings that are, inter alia, suspended from a ceiling. Similarly, U.S.Pat. No. 3,893,256 teaches a toy plane that is coupled to a pair oftethers via a sleeve such that moving apart of the tethers by a userforces the toy along the path of the tethers to the point of tetherattachment to a wall or post. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,136discloses a suspension mechanism for toys in which a pulley systempropels a carriage for a toy figure. Once one end of the pulley systemis attached to a wall or other static structure, the player needs onlyone hand to propel to attached toy along the lines of the pulley system.Alternatively, the tether may be attached to a handle on one end and toa toy plane on the other end, and the player spins the toy using thehandle in a circular motion as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,047,323.Similarly, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,018, a flying toy isattached to a post or ceiling via a tether, but is propelled by a jetfan impeller to provide player-independent propulsion. While such knowntoys advantageously secure the object or airplane in a robust manner andeven allow significant forces on the object or airplane, the tethertypically precludes the illusion of free flight or levitation as theflight path is determined by the straight line of the tether between thepoint of attachment and the flying toy.

To overcome the disadvantages associated with fixed tether attachment toa post or wall, a toy may be suspended from a hand held scissor-likedevice as, for example, described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,257,186. While suchattachment advantageously allows ‘flying’ of the toy along any desiredpath, control of the hand held scissor-like device may be difficult foryounger players and detract from a first-person perspective of ‘flying’experience.

In other known examples, and especially with many ‘magic tricks’ inwhich the path of a suspended object is controlled via a near-invisibletether, the object is generally an object that one would not expect tofly or levitate to so create surprise and/or disbelief. Unfortunately,and especially where such tethers are very thin, manufacture, storage,and performance, are often problematic. For example, near-invisibletethers are typically monofilaments or thin filament bundles having athickness of about 10-80 microns (less than the thickness of a singlehuman hair), making controlled handling very difficult due to the verylow tensile strength and tendency to tangle. Worse yet, such tethers aregenerally not available as a commodity and must be prepared byseparation and unwinding from a multi-filament yarn, which requiresconsiderable dexterity, attention span, and time commitment. Stillfurther, attachment of the tether to the object is often complicated dueto the near-invisible nature of the tether. Therefore, set-up for ‘magictricks’ that rely on such tethers is often cumbersome and typicallyprecludes small children (e.g., 10 years and younger) from suchentertainment.

Therefore, while numerous methods of entertainment devices are known inthe art, all or almost all of them suffer from one or moredisadvantages. Consequently, there is still a need to provide improvedcomposition and methods to improve wear resistance in such products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is drawn to body-worn toys and methods of use inwhich a light-weight toy is attached to a user via a near-invisiblefixed-length tether using an adhesive, where the toy has a mechanismthat imparts an appearance of plausible possibility of flight to the toywithout actually providing sufficient lift or propulsion for flight.Therefore, flight and/or lift are entirely provided by the user's(typically manual) control of the tether.

In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, a toy kit includes alight-weight toy, and a near-invisible fixed-length tether having alength and first and second ends, wherein first and second ends aremodified with an adhesive having a tackiness sufficient to allowreversible coupling of the first end of the tether to a person and toallow reversible coupling of the second end of the tether to the toy,and wherein the light-weight toy comprises a mechanism that impartsappearance of plausible possibility of flight to the toy withoutproviding sufficient lift or propulsion for flight.

Especially preferred kits will include a packing element that isconfigured to allow coiled and reversible affixing of the near-invisiblefixed-length tether to the packing element using the adhesive on thefirst and second ends, and the packing element most preferably has aspool that is configured to allow coiled and reversible affixing of thenear-invisible fixed-length tether, and further optionally comprises anopening that is configured to accommodate at least a portion of thelight-weight toy.

With respect to the light-weight toy it is preferred that the toy isconfigured as a toy fairy (e.g., having human appearance), as abutterfly, as a dragon, or as a dinosaur, and that the mechanism thatimparts appearance of plausible possibility of flight comprises a pairof wings. Most preferably, such toys will include a control circuit thatallows control of movement of the pair of wings as a function ofproximity of the toy to a surface (e.g., floor of a room, bottom of astorage container, body surface, etc.), and/or a control circuit thatallows control of illumination of the pair of wings (e.g., as a functionof movement of the pair of wings). Alternatively, the light-weight toymay be configured as a UFO where the mechanism that imparts appearanceof plausible possibility of flight comprises a plurality of airfoils.

Most typically, the adhesive is a low-tack adhesive (e.g., wax, posterputty, etc.), and the light-weight toy has a weight of between 5 and 50gram. With respect to the tether it is preferred that the near-invisiblefixed-length tether has a length of between 30 cm and 90 cm, typically amonofilament of filament bundle having a thickness of less than 120micron. In still further contemplated aspects, the kit includes aninstruction that instructs a user to attach the first end of the tetherto the person and to attach the second end of the tether to the toy tothereby suspend the toy mid-air.

Therefore, in another aspect of the inventive subject matter, a methodof providing a body-worn entertainment device will include a step ofproviding a light-weight toy according to the inventive subject matterand an instruction to a user to (a) attach the first end of thenear-invisible fixed-length tether to a person and to attach the secondend of the near-invisible fixed-length tether to the light-weight toy,and (b) support the near-invisible fixed-length tether with at least onefinger (and/or another body portion (e.g., support behind/over ear)) ata position between the first and second ends.

In yet another aspect of the inventive subject matter, contemplated kitsinclude a spool to which a near-invisible tether is releasably coupledusing first and second adhesives at respective ends of the tether, andan articulated puppet that is configured to allow controlled movement ofthe puppet using the tether, preferably when the tether is in horizontalposition and when the tether is coupled to a person using one end of thetether. Such kits may further include a post that is configured to allowcoupling of the tether (typically longer than 90 cm) to the post suchthat the tether moves along the post.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with theaccompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A depicts one exemplary light-weight toy according to theinventive subject matter.

FIG. 1B depicts another exemplary light-weight toy according to theinventive subject matter.

FIG. 1C depicts a further exemplary light-weight toy according to theinventive subject matter.

FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary kit according to the inventive subjectmatter.

FIG. 2B depicts an exemplary packing element of the kit of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary kit with a near-invisible tether and anarticulated puppet that is configured to allow controlled movement ofthe puppet using the tether.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventors have discovered that numerous body-worn toys withnear-invisible tethers can be made readily accessible to various usersthat would otherwise be precluded from such devices by providing a kitcomprising the toy and a tether-spool assembly in which one or moretethers are held in a ready-to-use configuration.

Most preferably, the tether is temporarily fastened to the spool usingthe same implement that also fastens the tether to the object and/oruser, wherein the object is a light-weight object (e.g., less than 50 g)that is relatively small (e.g., largest dimension less than 30 cm),and/or has the appearance of plausible autonomous flight, typicallyimplemented by a mechanism that imparts appearance of plausiblepossibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift orpropulsion for flight. As used herein, the term “mechanism that impartsappearance of plausible possibility of flight” refers to (a) anystructure or implement that is recognized (i.e., of similar or identicalappearance) as an element in a flying animate (e.g., bird, bat, insect)or inanimate (e.g., airplane, flying disc or ring) object, wherein thatelement imparts propulsion and/or lift to the animate or inanimateobject, wherein (b) that structure or implement is proportioned andpositioned in the light-weight toy such that sufficient lift orpropulsion for flight of the toy appears possible. For example, one ormore airfoils, propellers, or flapping wings are considered mechanismthat imparts appearance of plausible possibility of flight. Mosttypically, movement of such mechanisms is provided by electromagneticdevices, including (stepping) motors, pumps, electromagnetic coilactuators, etc, all of which may be controlled by dedicated or combinedcontrol circuitry that is responsive to user input and/or position ofthe toy relative to a static surface (infra). In contrast, a designelement labeled “antigravity thruster” or “jet pack” are not consideredmechanism that imparts appearance of plausible possibility of flight.

With respect to the object that is to be coupled to the tether it shouldbe appreciated that numerous objects are suitable in conjunction withthe teachings presented herein. However, it is particularly preferredthat the object is relatively small and light-weight and has theappearance of plausible autonomous flight. For example, suitable objectsinclude those having a propeller, fixed, flapping, and/or rotatingwings, or a toy rocket engine that may or may not provide a flow of air,sparks, or other visual and/or audible effects. Thus, it should beparticularly appreciated that suitable objects will have a mechanismthat simulates a lift and/or propulsion mechanism, but that suchsimulated mechanism will not provide sufficient lift or propulsion forflight (allow the object to maintain or increase altitude, or to providepropulsion). Viewed from a different perspective, the mechanism willmerely provide a plausible possibility of lift and/or propulsion, butwill not enable to object to fly in a predetermined manner using thatmechanism. Therefore, the near-invisible tether is used to impart aflying motion to the object. Most typically, one end of the tether iscoupled to the object using the modification on that end (e.g., usingloop or poster putty) while the other end is coupled to the user (e.g.,via the modification to a piece of clothing or body surface).Consequently, it should be recognized that a user can move the objectthrough the air in a flying and/or levitating motion, giving (and/orhaving) the impression of free flight of the object while the object isactually controlled via the tether. Viewed from a different perspective,it is now possible to impart flight capability to an object having alift and/or propulsion mechanism that would otherwise not be able to flyusing that lift and/or propulsion mechanism. Moreover, as the tether isalready prepared for immediate use, even unskilled players will bereadily able to enjoy contemplated entertainment devices and methods.

Among other things, especially preferred objects include inanimateobjects, including rotating disks, flying saucers (“UFO”) and/orUFO-like objects as depicted in FIG. 1A, toy helicopters, toy jets, toyrockets, animate objects including toy birds, toy butterflies, and evenentirely imaginary objects, including space aliens, dragons, a Pegasus,a mermaid with flapping fin, or a fairy with flapping wings as depictedin FIG. 1B. It should be appreciated that such objects will include atleast one mechanism that imparts appearance of plausible possibility offlight to the toy without providing sufficient lift or propulsion forflight. While not limiting to the inventive subject matter, it should benoted that the object may also be configured to allow propelling of theobject along a trajectory (e.g., a spinning disk with fixed wings may beable to fly in a manner similar to a Frisbee) or that the object mayappear to be in preparation for flight (e.g., increasing speed ofpropeller or ability to rotate). For example, the toy may be configuredsuch that the toy has at least some controlled flight behavior (butstill uses no propulsion and/or lift from the mechanism). Among otherthings, where the toy is a UFO, the UFO may be configured as a flyingring, a flying cylinder, or other toy that can be thrown along atrajectory.

In FIG. 1A, the toy 100A has a general appearance of a UFO (flyingsaucer) in which a plurality of airfoil-shaped structures 110A aredisposed above and below a horizontal plane relative to the rim andprovide the mechanism that imparts appearance of plausible possibilityof flight to the toy without providing sufficient lift or propulsion forflight. Rim 120A has a generally circular configuration and isconfigured to allow attachment of the airfoil-shaped structures 110A.Most preferably, at least one point of attachment is provided in the toyto which the tether can be inserted and retained by the low-tackadhesive. In the toy of FIG. 1A, the point of attachment 130A iscentered with respect to the rim and provides a point of rotation. Pointof attachment 130A further includes a cutout in which the tether can beinserted and is sufficiently large to accommodate at least a portion ofthe low-tack adhesive.

In FIG. 1B, the toy 100B has a general appearance of a fairly or flyinginsect in which a pair of wing-shaped structures 110B are disposed atthe back of the insect or fairy and provide the mechanism that impartsappearance of plausible possibility of flight to the toy withoutproviding sufficient lift or propulsion for flight. Body 120B has agenerally longitudinal configuration (e.g., insect like or human-shaped)and is configured to allow attachment of the wing-shaped structures110B. Most preferably, at least one point of attachment is provided inthe toy to which the tether can be inserted and retained by the low-tackadhesive. In the toy of FIG. 1B, the point of attachment 130B iscentered with respect to the wings and near or at the center of gravityto allow for level flight. Here, point of attachment 130B is a metallicbase to which the tether can be attached via the low-tack adhesive.Control circuit 140B is typically enclosed in the body portion of thetoy and is, for example, configured to control movement of the pair ofwings as a function of proximity of the toy to a resting surface (e.g.,floor, bottom surface of a storage container, body surface, etc.), orconfigured to control illumination of the pair of wings (e.g., as afunction of movement of the pair of wings).

To further increase visual appearance and perceived play value, it iscontemplated that the object may comprise additional features thatprovide auditory and/or visual effects. Most preferably, such featuresare controllable by a user and/or are controlled by an electroniccontrol circuit that controls the effect(s) in response to movement ofthe toy, picking up the toy from a resting surface (e.g., shelf, floor,or bottom surface of a dedicated storage container). For example, wherethe light-weight toy is configured as a toy fairy (having humanappearance), a butterfly, a dragon, or as a dinosaur, the mechanism thatimparts appearance of plausible possibility of flight may comprise oneor more pairs of wings, and the movement of the pair of wings may becontrolled by the control circuit as a function of proximity of the toyto a surface (e.g., floor of a room, bottom surface of a storagecontainer, body surface, etc.). The same or additional control circuitmay also be used to provide additional effects, for example, bycontrolling illumination of the pair of wings (e.g., as a function ofmovement of the pair of wings, or in response to a mechanical oracoustic signal provided by the user). Similarly, where the light-weighttoy is configured as a UFO, the mechanism that imparts appearance ofplausible possibility of flight will typically comprise a plurality offixed and/or moving airfoils. Additional visual and/or audible effectscan then be implemented similar to the manner as described above.

It should also be recognized that in alternative aspects of theinventive subject matter the object need not be limited to one havingplausible possibility of flight, but that non-flying objects are alsodeemed suitable. Especially preferred alternative objects includepuppets, and particularly those in which one or more limbs arecontrolled by one or more tethers. While it is contemplated that thetether(s) can be attached to the puppet in any manner, it is preferredthat the tether connects to the puppet in a substantially horizontal(+/−20 degree from horizontal) manner. Therefore, it is preferred thatthe puppet is disposed between two posts or other points of coupling.However, single or multiple-post coupling are also deemed suitable.Regardless of the coupling, it should be appreciated that one tether canbe used for control of movement while another tether can be used tosuspend the puppet, or that suspension and motion control can beeffected using a single tether. FIG. 1C provides an exemplary embodimentof such object. Here, puppet 100C is suspended off tether 110C that is(preferably movably) coupled to posts 120C and 120C′. Control tether130C is also attached to the puppet, routed through or along post 120Cand is further coupled to a player 140C (e.g., to wrist or finger).

With respect to suitable tethers, it is generally preferred that thetether may be fabricated from numerous materials and combinations andmay have a relatively wide range of thickness so long as such tethershave sufficient tensile strength to carry the weight of the objectwithout breaking, and so long as such tethers are near-invisible to theunaided eye. Used in conjunction with a tether, the terms“near-invisible” and “near-invisible to the unaided eye” areinterchangeable and refer to a tether that has a thickness of less than300 micron, more typically less than 100 micron, even more typicallyless than 50 micron, and most typically between 5 and 50 micron. Mostpreferably, contemplated tethers have a dark color and are mosttypically black or dark blue and have a surface with low reflectivity(e.g., less than 20% of incident light is reflected).

While not limiting to the inventive subject matter, it is generallypreferred that the tether will be a single filament or a small filamentbundle of less than 10, and more typically less than 5 individualfilaments, which is typically prepared from a larger yarn. For example,multifilament KEVLAR™ yarns (aramid yarn commercially available from EIDupont de Nemours, Inc.) at 10 to 2000 Denier are typically suitable andcan be separated into single filaments or small filament bundles.However, and where available, single filaments or small filament bundlesmay also be commercially obtained. Of course, it should be appreciatedthat the material is not limited to KEVLAR™, and numerous alternativematerials (e.g., polyesters, polyamide, carbon fibers, etc.) are alsodeemed appropriate.

Regardless of the material and manner of production, it is contemplatedthat the near-invisible tether will be cut to a predetermined length,and most preferably multiple tethers to a set of predetermined lengths.In most circumstances, suitable tether lengths will be in the range ofbetween 20 cm and 200 cm, more typically between 40 cm and 100 cm, andmost typically between 30 cm and 90 cm. At least one of the tethers isthen further modified on at least one end to facilitate storage,handling, and attachment to the object and/or user (or static structuresuch as a post, wall, ceiling, etc.). Particularly suitablemodifications of the tether include terminal loops or other structuresformed from the tether material to which the object and/or user (orstatic structure) can be fastened and/or non-tether material thatfacilitates coupling of the object and/or user (or static structure). Inespecially preferred aspects, the non-tether material comprises alow-tack material (e.g., poster putty commercially available fromElmer's Glue, Henkel, or 3M), a magnetic material, a small hook-and-loopfastener, a jewelry fastener (e.g., clasp, hook, carabiner clip, etc.),or other implement that allows reversible attachment of the end (andmost preferably both ends) of the tether to the object and/or user (orstatic structure). In particularly preferred aspects, it should beappreciated that such implements will also retain or help retain thetether to the packaging in which the tether and the toy are provided.Most typically, one or more spools are provided around which the tetheris then wound.

With respect to the spool it is contemplated that all structures aredeemed suitable that allow temporary fastening of the tether to thespool, preferably such that removal of the tether from the spool willnot result in entanglement of the tether. Therefore, particularlycontemplated spools include 3-dimensional structures includingcylindrical, frustoconical, (stepped) pyramidal structures, as well asgenerally flat structures, including triangle or square-shaped cards,all of which may be notched or otherwise shaped to maintain the tetherin a predetermined position. For example, suitable alternative shapes ofcarriers include (notched) cards, elongated cylinders, irregularlyshaped objects, and star-shaped objects, wherein each of these may haveseparate areas for receiving separate tethers. While not limiting to theinventive subject matter, it is typically preferred that the tether iswound to the spool such that one end of the tether is maintained on ornear one end of the spool via the modified end (e.g., via poster putty)while the other end is maintained on or near the other end of the spoolvia the other modified end. Therefore, it should be appreciated that thetether can be released from the spool in a controlled and tangle-freemanner such that one end can drop away from the spool while the otherend of the tether is retained on the spool until the user removes thatend as well. Thus, it should be noted that the term “spool” as usedherein is not limited to a generally cylindrical structure but may havenumerous geometries as exemplarily outlined above. It should also beappreciated that the carrier will preferably be configured to provide afixed length of a tether without permanently retaining one end of thetether to the carrier (e.g., as is the case with a spring-operated spoolthat allows retracting the tether onto the spool). In further preferredaspects, the packing includes multiple spools, with each of the spoolshaving one tether coupled thereto. As pointed out above, the tethers mayhave the same length of different lengths. Tethers, spool, andassemblies especially suitable for use herein are described in ourco-pending application with the title “Method And Apparatus ForNear-Invisible Tethers”, filed concurrently herewith which also claimspriority to 61/019,174. This co-pending application is incorporated byreference herein.

Consequently, the inventors particularly contemplate a kit that includesa light-weight toy and a near-invisible fixed-length tether having alength and first and second ends, wherein first and second ends of thetether are modified with an adhesive having a tackiness that issufficient to allow reversible attachment of the first end of the tetherto a person and to allow reversible attachment of the second end of thetether to the toy. Most preferably, the light-weight toy has a mechanismthat imparts appearance of plausible possibility of flight to the toywithout actually providing sufficient lift or propulsion for flight.While not limiting to the inventive subject matter, it is generallypreferred that the kit further includes a packaging element (e.g., aspart of a plastic carrier for the components of the kit), preferablyconfigured to allow coiled and reversible affixing of the near-invisiblefixed-length tether to the packing element using the adhesive on thefirst and second ends. Therefore, preferred packing elements maycomprise a spool that allows coiled and reversible affixing of thenear-invisible fixed-length tether, and may further optionally comprisean opening to accommodate at least a portion of the light-weight toy. Inyet further contemplated aspects of the inventive subject mater, one ormore ‘magic wands’, typically configured as a simple rod or cylinder,optionally with a terminal modification (e.g., star, spark, lightsource, etc.) may be provided with the light-weight toy and/or tether tofurther increase play value. In such cases, the wand may be configuredto allow reversible attachment of the tether and/or to allow contact ofthe wand with a portion of the tether between the ends of the tether.Consequently, it should be appreciated that the light-weight toy can bemoved by a player by attaching one end of the tether to the player andthe other to the toy while contacting the tether with the wand to socontrol movement of the toy. Alternatively, or additionally, one end ofthe tether may be attached to the wand while the other end is attachedto the toy.

Most typically, contemplated kits will comprise an instruction thatinstructs a person to attach the first end of the tether to the personand to attach the second end of the tether to the toy to thereby suspendthe toy mid-air, and to support the near-invisible fixed-length tetherwith at least one finger at a position between the first and second ends(and optionally to further support the near-invisible fixed-lengthtether with another body portion such as an ear, shoulder, etc.). FIG.2A depicts an exemplary kit 200A having an instruction 210A (e.g., asdescribed immediately above) and a plurality of tether units 220A formedin the packing element (see below) that comprise a tether to which on atleast one end (and more typically on both ends) a low-tack adhesive iscoupled, wherein each tether is separately disposed around a tethercarrier (e.g., spool, cone structure, etc.). Contemplated kits willfurther comprise at least one toy 230A, which is preferably alight-weight toy that has a mechanism that imparts appearance ofplausible possibility of flight to the toy without actually providingsufficient lift or propulsion for flight. Most preferably, such kitswill include the light weight toy as contemplated above and exemplarilyillustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C. One exemplary packing element thataccommodates the toy and tether(s) is schematically depicted in FIG. 2B.Here, packing element 205B comprises spools 207B, around each of which asingle fixed-length tether 209B is wound. Low tack adhesive 212B isattached to each end of the tether and also to a portion of the packingelement to so retain the tether in a configuration from which the tethercan be easily removed. Packaging element 205B further includes a cutout203B that is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the flyingtoy (e.g., UFO of FIG. 1A).

In further alternative aspects, contemplated kits will include a spoolto which a near-invisible tether (preferably having a length of at least90 cm, more preferably at least 120 cm, and most preferably at least 180cm) is releasably coupled using first and second adhesives at respectiveends of the tether, and an articulated puppet that is configured toallow controlled movement of the puppet using the tether when (a) thetether is in horizontal position and (b) coupled to a person using oneend of the tether. Preferably, the kit further includes a post that isconfigured to allow coupling of the tether to the post such that thetether moves along the post. Such kit will allow a user to attach oneend of the tether to the user while the articulated puppet is attachedto the tether in a position between the ends of the tether such thatmovement of the tether by the user will result in movement of thepuppet. The other end of the tether is coupled to the post (e.g., viaroll or pin), typically such that the puppet can also move in a latermotion. FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary alternative kit 300 with the puppet.Here kit 300 includes the puppet 310, posts 312, and a spool 320 towhich a near-invisible tether 330 is releasably coupled using first andsecond adhesives 332 and 334 at respective ends of the tether. Wheredesired, instructions 350 can be provided as a booklet, brochure, orother printed item. The puppet 310 is preferably an articulated puppetthat is configured to allow controlled movement of the puppet using thetether when (a) the tether is in horizontal position and (b) coupled toa person using one end of the tether. In especially preferred kits, thepost is configured to allow coupling of the tether to the post such thatthe tether moves along the post, wherein the tether has a length of atleast 90 cm.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of compositions and methodsrelated to body-worn entertainment devices have been disclosed. Itshould be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of thepresent disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the specification andclaims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible mannerconsistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and“comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components,or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referencedelements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combinedwith other elements, components, or steps that are not expresslyreferenced. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in areference, which is incorporated by reference herein is inconsistent orcontrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definitionof that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term inthe reference does not apply.

1. A kit comprising: a light-weight toy, and a near-invisiblefixed-length tether having a length and first and second ends; whereinfirst and second ends are modified with an adhesive having a tackinesssufficient to allow reversible coupling of the first end of the tetherto a person and to allow reversible coupling of the second end of thetether to the toy; and wherein the light-weight toy comprises amechanism that imparts appearance of plausible possibility of flight tothe toy without providing sufficient lift or propulsion for flight. 2.The kit of claim 1 further comprising a packing element that isconfigured to allow coiled and reversible affixing of the near-invisiblefixed-length tether to the packing element using the adhesive on thefirst and second ends.
 3. The kit of claim 2 wherein the packing elementcomprises a spool that is configured to allow coiled and reversibleaffixing of the near-invisible fixed-length tether, and furtheroptionally comprises an opening that is configured to accommodate atleast a portion of the light-weight toy.
 4. The kit of claim 1 whereinthe light-weight toy is configured as a toy fairy having humanappearance, as a butterfly, as a dragon, or as a dinosaur, and whereinthe mechanism that imparts appearance of plausible possibility of flightcomprises a pair of wings.
 5. The kit of claim 4 further comprising acontrol circuit that controls movement of the pair of wings as afunction of proximity of the toy to a surface selected from the groupconsisting of a floor of a room, a bottom surface of a storagecontainer, and a body surface.
 6. The kit of claim 4 further comprisinga control circuit that controls illumination of the pair of wings,optionally as a function of movement of the pair of wings.
 7. The kit ofclaim 1 wherein the light-weight toy is configured as a UFO, and whereinthe mechanism that imparts appearance of plausible possibility of flightcomprises a plurality of airfoils.
 8. The kit of claim 1 wherein theadhesive is selected from the group of wax, and a low-tack polymer. 9.The kit of claim 1 wherein the light-weight toy has a weight of between5 and 50 gram.
 10. The kit of claim 1 wherein the near-invisiblefixed-length tether has a length of between 30 cm and 90 cm.
 11. The kitof claim 1 further comprising an instruction that instructs a user toattach the first end of the tether to the person and to attach thesecond end of the tether to the toy to thereby suspend the toy mid-air.12. A method of providing a body-worn entertainment device, comprising:providing the kit of claim 1, and providing an instruction to a user to(a) attach the first end of the near-invisible fixed-length tether to aperson and to attach the second end of the near-invisible fixed-lengthtether to the light-weight toy; (b) support the near-invisiblefixed-length tether with at least one finger at a position between thefirst and second ends.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising astep of instructing the user to further support the near-invisiblefixed-length tether with another body portion.
 14. The method of claim13 wherein the another body portion is an ear.
 15. The method of claim12 wherein the light-weight toy is configured as a toy fairy havinghuman appearance, as a butterfly, as a dragon, or as a dinosaur, andwherein the mechanism that imparts appearance of plausible possibilityof flight comprises a pair of wings.
 16. The method of claim 12 whereinthe light-weight toy is configured as a UFO, and wherein the mechanismthat imparts appearance of plausible possibility of flight comprises aplurality of airfoils.
 17. The method of claim 12 wherein the adhesiveis selected from the group of wax, and a low-tack polymer.
 18. A kitcomprising a spool to which a near-invisible tether is releasablycoupled using first and second adhesives at respective ends of thetether, and an articulated puppet that is configured to allow controlledmovement of the puppet using the tether when (a) the tether is inhorizontal position and (b) coupled to a person using one end of thetether.
 19. The kit of claim 18 further comprising a post that isconfigured to allow coupling of the tether to the post such that thetether moves along the post.
 20. The kit of claim 18 wherein the tetherhas a length of at least 90 cm.